Post Staff – Page 416 – North Platte Post Archive

Police: Man faked kidnapping to get ransom from parents

Posted on October 27, 2017

BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say a Beatrice man faked his own kidnapping so he could collect ransom from his parents.

The parents called Beatrice police earlier this week to report that their son was being held ransom for $5,000, which had to be wired to his bank account.

Police determined that the calls came from the 30-year-old man’s girlfriend’s phone and traced the phone to the man’s Beatrice home. Officers say they saw him through a window there, holding a silver handgun. They forced their way in and took him into custody. The gun turned out to be a CO2-powered BB gun.

He was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of attempted extortion, obstructing government operations, and other crimes. Court records don’t show he’s been charged.

Joseph Dye III Death Notice

Posted on October 27, 2017

Joseph Dye III, 72, of Richmond, Virgina, formerly of North Platte, died Oct. 21, 2017, in Virginia. Services will be at a later date. Cremation was chosen. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

13-year-old student dies 1 day after 5-vehicle pileup

Posted on October 27, 2017

FIRTH, Neb. (AP) — Officials in southeastern Nebraska say a 13-year-old girl has died a day after a car she was in was involved in a five-car pileup.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office says Ryan Post, a student at Norris School near Firth, died Thursday afternoon. Investigators say the girl was a right rear passenger and was wearing her seat belt at the time of Wednesday afternoon crash near the school.

Officials say the chain-reaction crash happened when traffic slowed for an earlier crash on the road. Post’s car was hit by a large pickup truck.

Investigators say three of the drivers were Norris students and the other two were adults who had picked up children from Norris School. Fourteen of the 16 people involved were students from the school district.

Nebraska’s Ibach confirmed by US Senate for USDA post

Posted on October 27, 2017

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The U.S. Senate has confirmed Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach for undersecretary of marketing and regulatory programs in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Senate unanimously confirmed Ibach on Thursday.

Ibach has been director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture for 12 years. He was nominated for the USDA post by President Donald Trump earlier this year.

Ibach’s new role will have him overseeing programs including Agricultural Marketing Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration.

He is a lifelong rancher and farmer and has been active in the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

Ronney Lee “Ron” Naumann

Posted on October 27, 2017

Ronney Lee “Ron” Naumann, 81, of Lexington, passed away Oct. 23, 2017, at Plum Creek Healthcare Community in Lexington.

He was born on March 24, 1936, at the family home in Eustis, the third of four children born to Leonard and Esther (Pfeiffer) Naumann. The family lived in Eustis until 1945, before moving to Lexington. Ron received his primary education from Trinity Lutheran Parochial School in Lexington through the eighth grade, and then graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1954.

Following his education, Ron served his country in the United States Naval Reserves for four years, prior to his honorable discharge.

He was then employed in Chicago, Illinois, where he met Carol Jean Olszewski. On Nov. 2, 1963, they were united in marriage in Chicago, and to this union two daughters were born, Michelle and Lea. The family made their home in Lexington, where Ron was dedicated and passionate about his long career in carpentry. On Dec. 8, 1980, he was preceded in death by his wife, Carol.

On July 6, 1985, he was united in marriage to Sondra K. Orcutt in Lexington. Ron welcomed Sondra’s daughters, Amanda and Ashley, into his life, and they blended two families into one. Ron continued to be involved in construction, and was proud of many projects throughout the community. On April 6, 2014, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sondra.

He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served on the Trustee Committee in years past.

Ron enjoyed hunting and had a special way with dogs, especially his hunting dogs throughout the years. His keen sense of humor will always be remembered by his family and friends. His family, especially the grandchildren, always put a smile on his face, and hugs were given abundantly by Grandpa.

Besides his parents and his two wives, Carol and Sondra, Ron was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Cainey Childears; and one sister, Leola (Lee) German.

Ron leaves to celebrate his life his four daughters, Michelle (Corey) Matis of Omaha, Lea (Matt) Neil of Cozad, Amanda (Kent) Bauer of Lincoln and Ashley (Justin) Childears of North Platte; nine grandchildren, Taylor and Lauren Matis, Lindsey (Caleb) McKeever, Ty Rogers, Nate Neil, Blake and Morgan Bauer, and Celie and Ceiden Childears; one great-granddaughter, Leighton McKeever; two sisters, Ladena (Fred) Seger of Maine and Joyce (Dave) Wolfe of Overton; brother-in-law, Ron (Bonnie) Owen of Maui, Hawaii; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington. Online condolences may be shared at nelsonbauerfh.com.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Rob Kuefner officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. today, Oct. 26, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home, Holdrege, is in charge of arrangements.

Misty Armstrong

Posted on October 27, 2017

Misty Armstrong, 40, of Omaha, passed away in her sleep Oct. 21, 2017, after a long and grueling battle with many illnesses.

Misty was born in North Platte on Oct. 7, 1977, to Larry and Gracia Kennedy. She attended Cody grade school, Platte Valley Christian Academy and home school. Later she attended Job Corps and earned her CNA certification.

She married Todd Armstrong in November 2000, and they made their home in Sioux City, Iowa, until 2014, when they moved to Omaha.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Don and Jackie Kennedy of Wauneta, and grandmother, Carrie Bannister of North Platte.

She is survived by her husband, Todd, and their son, Tristan, both of Omaha; daughter, Natalie Broome of Redlands, California; parents, Larry and Gracia Kennedy of North Platte; mother-in-law, Maroldine Grabe and Duane Connors of Newton, Iowa; maternal grandfather, Robert Bannister of North Platte; sister, Marcy (Jason Hamilton) Kennedy; brother, Micah (Danielle) Kennedy of Petaluma, California; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Cross of Christ Revival Center, 3615 W. Rodeo Road, North Platte.

Baby sitter praised for helping kids escape house fire

Posted on October 27, 2017

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Fire officials are praising a babysitter who helped three children she was watching escape their flaming home.

Authorities say the woman and children already had reached safety outside the central Lincoln house by the time firefighters arrived Thursday evening. No injuries have been reported and no names have been released.

Battalion Chief Jim Bopp says the woman’s quick action was just what parents would want from their babysitters.

Fire inspector Ken Hilger says the fire was started by a 6-year-old playing with a lighter on the home’s second floor.

Alice “Jeanne” Luebbe

Posted on October 27, 2017

Alice “Jeanne” Luebbe, 82, of North Platte, formerly of Johnson Lake, died Oct. 25, 2017, at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte.

Jeanne was born on Sept. 16, 1935, in Lexington, to Harold and Nellie (Wolfe) Sheldon. She attended school at District No. 6 near Overton and graduated from Lexington High School in 1952.

She was united in marriage to Verne A. Luebbe on May 16, 1954, at the Methodist Church in Overton. They had two children, Randy Lee and Patti Kay.

Jeanne was a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington, where she was involved, and enjoyed Bible studies. She was also a past member of the Eastern Star. She was past president of the Junior Old Timers Club, a past member of the Moose Lodge, Eagles Club, Elks Lodge, VFW auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary.

Near and dear to her heart were the Boys and Girls Boystown, Christian Appalachian Project and Salvation Army.

When she was a young woman, the couple enjoyed dancing and playing cards. She also loved her sweets and spending time with her family.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Verne.

Survivors include one son, Randy (Lydia) Luebbe of North Platte; one daughter, Patti Barber of Johnson Lake; one sister, Jan (Gary) Donnelson of Lexington; six grandchildren, Chelsea, Nicole, Matthew, Jeannie, James and Laurie; 18 great-grandchildren; and extended family and friends.

Memorials are suggested to Grace Lutheran Church or Parent/Child Center. Online condolences may be shared at reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

Services will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30, at Greenwood Cemetery, Lexington, with Pastor John Strackbein officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel, Lexington, which is in charge of arrangements.

Michael Ray Macomber

Posted on October 27, 2017

Michael Ray Macomber, 73, of North Platte, passed away Oct. 25, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Mike was born on April 7, 1944, in North Platte to Vernon Ray “Dude” and Marjorie Lavina (Nisley) Macomber. He grew up in North Platte and graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1963.

As a kid, he worked at the Pawnee Hotel, movie theater, baseball fields and Haws Pool Hall. After high school, he attended one semester of classes at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, where he served in Vietnam, being discharged in November 1968.

On Oct. 15, 1966, he married Marica A. McCrone in North Platte. The couple lived in Alameda, California, while he was in the service. They returned to North Platte, where he worked as a carman on the railroad for a short time before they spent two years on the road in a travel trailer working their way, cooking and playing pool while on the west coast. He worked on oil rigs and Project 93, and in 1972, he returned to the railroad as a switchman/conductor and retired in 2003.

He belonged to the First Christian Church, Eagles Club, UP Employee’s Club, Westpac Asian Sailors and Tuesday 9-Ball pool league. Mike was the king of one-liners and short stories.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Eddie Dimmitt Sr.

Mike is survived by his wife, Marcia of North Platte; daughter, Michelle “Babe” (Jon) McFarland of North Platte; grandchildren, Matthew McFarland of North Platte and Madison McFarland of Lincoln; siblings, Linda Dimmitt of North Platte and Cal Macomber; nephews, Eddie (Kathy) Dimmitt of Grand Island and Kevin (Annie) Dimmitt of North Platte; great-nieces and great-nephews, Regan, Taryn, Peyton and Abby Dimmitt; and other extended family members and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church. Online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com.

Services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 30, at the First Christian Church with Pastor Jan Ekstedt officiating. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors. Visitation will be from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Police release name of cement truck driver in fatal crash

Posted on October 27, 2017

LA VISTA, Neb. (AP) — Authorities have released the name of a driver whose cement truck tipped over in an Omaha suburb and crushed a car, killing two people.

La Vista Police Chief Bob Lausten identified the driver Thursday as 20-year-old Austin Holloway, of Fremont. He was treated for minor injuries after the crash Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities say Holloway made a sharp right turn of his eastbound truck to go south, but the fully loaded vehicle then tipped over to its left, landing on the northbound car, which was waiting at a traffic light. Authorities identified the car’s occupants as Michael Dearden and Phillip Hertel. Both were 23.

The accident is being investigated.